Suffolk Naturalists Society
Bursaries

The Suffolk Naturalists' Society aims to encourage members to become actively involved in studying the flora, fauna and geology of the county. Amateur naturalists have always undertaken the majority of studies into the natural history of Suffolk. However, as the costs of travel and of specialist equipment increase, naturalists may feel that there are just too many barriers to starting their own project. In order to lower at least some of these barriers, the Suffolk Naturalists' Society now offers five bursaries, of up to £100 each, annually. The most recent of these awards has been made possible by a generous endowment from the estate of Mr Francis Simpson. The five bursaries are:

Morley Bursary  
   
- usually awarded for studies involving insects (or other invertebrates) other than butterflies and moths.
Chipperfield Bursary
- usually awarded for studies involving butterflies or moths.
Cranbrook Bursary
- usually awarded for studies involving mammals or birds.
Rivis Bursary
- usually awarded for studies into the County's flora.
Simpson Bursary
- this will be awarded for the first time in 2005 in memory of Francis Simpson. As Francis was our botanical recorder the bursary will be awarded for a botanical study where possible.

The bursaries are not tied to these areas of study but wherever possible Council tries to match the application to the interests of the naturalist in whose name the bursary is awarded.

Any member wishing to apply for a bursary should write, with details of their proposed project, to the Honorary Secretary. As applications are normally considered at the Council meeting in May of each year, proposals should be with the Hon. Secretary by 30th April.

Applications made at other times will be considered but, even if considered worthy of an award, may not be successful if all the bursaries for the current year have already been taken.

Bursary applicants should be aware that there are a few conditions attached to each award:

  1. Projects should include a large element of original work and applications must include a breakdown of how the bursary will be spent.
  1. A written account of the project is required within 12 months of receipt of a bursary. This should be in a form suitable for publication in one of the Society's journals: Suffolk Natural History, Suffolk Birds or White Admiral.
  1. The Suffolk Naturalists' Society should be acknowledged in all publicity associated with the project and in any publications emanating from the project.

Paul Lee

Hon. Secretary,
Suffolk Naturalists' Society,
c/o IpswichMuseum,
High Street,
Ipswich IP1 3QH